D3O’s first commercial opportunity came in the Winter Olympics in 2006. Since then the material has been used in sheet and component form anywhere from Arizona to the Arctic circle.
Even in extremely cold environments, body heat does soften the parts as they are used. Inherently, particularly in knee pads where body temperature may be slightly lower, the inside surface against the knee will soften slightly offering the user greater comfort, while the outside surface will stiffen slightly which can be associated with greater abrasion resistance.
XT was developed specifically for a large range of temperature conditions. Testing is conducted on D3O parts at temperatures ranging from -10C to +40C. Despite a 50C temperature range that bridges 0C, all D3O XT parts maintain a high level of performance.
While D3O materials do increase in stiffness when subjected to extremely cold temperatures, neither their composition nor their performance is compromised. When returned to standard operating temperatures, they will perform as expected.
We do not have extensive specific data to share because the stiffening effect is specific to both the application and the activity, but we have had no complaints from users who have suffered a shock when wearing our parts – in fact quite the opposite.
D3O material has very low compression set properties allowing the material to return to its original form after repeated loading or compression. D3O can also recover from multiple impacts. However in the cases of extreme forces the ability to recover fully may be compromised.
Orange is the colour of the D3O brand and therefore the majority of D3O products are only available in orange. However, in certain markets or applications where alternative colours are necessary, such as defence or PPE, some products are available in tan colour – please see the relevant Product Data Sheets for more information.
If fully submerged in water for a prolonged period of time then a small amount could be absorbed by the D3O material. However, after the material is removed from the water any absorbed water will evaporate.
Please see the relevant Material Data Sheet for more details.
This test provides an alternative measurement of a material or products hardness to using a durometer. It represents the force required to compress or pinch the material to 50% of its original thickness.
A higher value indicates a stiffer or harder material. To provide a better idea on the scale of values, typically a man will be able to pinch a material up to a force of 200N.
The typical life expectancy of a D3O material is 2-3 years. This will depend on the conditions the material endures and how it is looked after during use and storage.
D3O protectors are designed to withstand multiple impacts however the re-use-ability of the protectors will depend on the severity of the impact. After any significant impact the protectors should be inspected and if necessary returned to D3O for evaluation.
D3O can be co-moulded with other material via different secondary manufacturing steps. Since the pressures and temperatures associated with different secondary processing procedures vary greatly we recommend that each process needs to be assessed on an individual basis.
For more information on temperature stability, see “How temperature stable is D3O?”.
For CE certified D3O products please follow the washing guidelines issued in the CE booklet user instructions.
For other parts please use the following instructions:
Due to the wide ranging use of D3O and unique stresses that each application imposes on the D3O components during use, integration etc, it is very difficult to suggest specific washing instructions, appropriate to each and every application. As a general rule we recommend that D3O protectors are removed carefully from the garment and are wipe-clean only.
For more details please refer to the D3O Care & Handling Instructions.
D3O is a British based impact protection solutions company that markets a unique patented technology, which is used to produce a shock absorbing material.
D3O manufactures a smart material with high shock absorbing properties.
In standard conditions, the molecules flow freely allowing the material to remain soft and flexible, but on impact, they lock together to absorb impact energy and reduce the force transmitted. The molecules instantly return to their flexible state.
The material is strain rate sensitive which means the stronger the impact, the more the molecules react, and better the protection.
Yes. D3O is the market leader in performance for motorcycle protection and this back protector offers excellent comfort, fit and protection from impact. It is lightweight, comfortable and breathable so you can be protected without feeling it.
Rider safety is our number one priority and D3O tests its materials and components using the highest standard of testing.
We run our own in-house tests, which are then verified by independent laboratories, such as SATRA, STR, NPL, INSPEC, HPE, MERL, BSI. All of our products for motorcycle CE certified and we have been the first to market with a range of limb protectors that meet the CE standards being introduced later this year.
All of our products are printed with clear markings demonstrating the highest standards of safety.
It has a wide range of applications, including personal protection for various sport disciplines, motorcycling, work wear, and accessories for electronic protection, such as iPhone cases and computers.
We have also made a blunt force impact vest for the French Gendarmerie.
D3O has an in-house team of chemists and designers, who customise the material for bespoke protection.
We offer full 360 degree solutions for our partners, such as Furygan, from brainstorm, idea generation, CAD concepts, prototyping, testing, sampling to production.
About FAQs
General and Material FAQ’s
How temperature stable is D3O?
D3O’s first commercial opportunity came in the Winter Olympics in 2006. Since then the material has been used in sheet and component form anywhere from Arizona to the Arctic circle.
Even in extremely cold environments, body heat does soften the parts as they are used. Inherently, particularly in knee pads where body temperature may be slightly lower, the inside surface against the knee will soften slightly offering the user greater comfort, while the outside surface will stiffen slightly which can be associated with greater abrasion resistance.
XT was developed specifically for a large range of temperature conditions. Testing is conducted on D3O parts at temperatures ranging from -10C to +40C. Despite a 50C temperature range that bridges 0C, all D3O XT parts maintain a high level of performance.
While D3O materials do increase in stiffness when subjected to extremely cold temperatures, neither their composition nor their performance is compromised. When returned to standard operating temperatures, they will perform as expected.
We do not have extensive specific data to share because the stiffening effect is specific to both the application and the activity, but we have had no complaints from users who have suffered a shock when wearing our parts – in fact quite the opposite.
How many times can D3O be hit or compressed and still recover?
D3O material has very low compression set properties allowing the material to return to its original form after repeated loading or compression. D3O can also recover from multiple impacts. However in the cases of extreme forces the ability to recover fully may be compromised.
Is D3O reach compliant?
Yes, it is reach compliant.
Is D3O available in colours other than orange?
Orange is the colour of the D3O brand and therefore the majority of D3O products are only available in orange. However, in certain markets or applications where alternative colours are necessary, such as defence or PPE, some products are available in tan colour – please see the relevant Product Data Sheets for more information.
Is D3O UV resistant?
D3O materials offer a level of UV resistance. If exposed to UV light for extended periods of time, D3O will show signs of degradation.
Does D3O absorb water?
If fully submerged in water for a prolonged period of time then a small amount could be absorbed by the D3O material. However, after the material is removed from the water any absorbed water will evaporate.
Please see the relevant Material Data Sheet for more details.
What is the melting point of D3O?
D3O is not a thermoplastic material and therefore can’t be reshaped by melting.
What relevance does the force required to compress to 50% test have?
This test provides an alternative measurement of a material or products hardness to using a durometer. It represents the force required to compress or pinch the material to 50% of its original thickness.
A higher value indicates a stiffer or harder material. To provide a better idea on the scale of values, typically a man will be able to pinch a material up to a force of 200N.
How does D3O react to petrol and diesel?
D3O does not react with petrol or diesel.
Please refer to the relevant Material Data Sheet for more details.
Is D3O flame retardant?
D3O passes the flame resistances standard ISO 11612 (limited flame spread). Please refer to the Material Data Sheet for more details.
What are the physical characteristics of the D3O formulations?
The physical properties of each D3O formulation are detailed in the Material Data Sheets.
What is the life expectancy of D3O?
The typical life expectancy of a D3O material is 2-3 years. This will depend on the conditions the material endures and how it is looked after during use and storage.
D3O protectors are designed to withstand multiple impacts however the re-use-ability of the protectors will depend on the severity of the impact. After any significant impact the protectors should be inspected and if necessary returned to D3O for evaluation.
Up to what temperatures and pressures does D3O remain intact?
D3O can be co-moulded with other material via different secondary manufacturing steps. Since the pressures and temperatures associated with different secondary processing procedures vary greatly we recommend that each process needs to be assessed on an individual basis.
For more information on temperature stability, see “How temperature stable is D3O?”.
How do I clean or wash D3O?
For CE certified D3O products please follow the washing guidelines issued in the CE booklet user instructions.
For other parts please use the following instructions:
Due to the wide ranging use of D3O and unique stresses that each application imposes on the D3O components during use, integration etc, it is very difficult to suggest specific washing instructions, appropriate to each and every application. As a general rule we recommend that D3O protectors are removed carefully from the garment and are wipe-clean only.
For more details please refer to the D3O Care & Handling Instructions.
What is D3O?
D3O is a British based impact protection solutions company that markets a unique patented technology, which is used to produce a shock absorbing material.
How does it work?
D3O manufactures a smart material with high shock absorbing properties.
In standard conditions, the molecules flow freely allowing the material to remain soft and flexible, but on impact, they lock together to absorb impact energy and reduce the force transmitted. The molecules instantly return to their flexible state.
The material is strain rate sensitive which means the stronger the impact, the more the molecules react, and better the protection.
Does the material go hard on impact?
No. D3O does not go hard when hit, but the molecules lock together to absorb and spread the force, significantly reducing the effect of impact.
Which markets is D3O used in?
D3O develops impact protection solutions for a range of markets from motorcycle to electronics, sports to footwear, as well as the military.
Why is D3O better than hard armour?
D3O reacts to the unique impact environment e.g. at high speeds it provides a different level of impact to at low speeds.
D3O absorbs and dissipates the impact energy which reduces the force transmitted.
It’s soft and comfortable to wear under your clothes. It’s less bulky, so more people prefer to wear it.
D3O delivers the most flexible, comfortable and discreet protection on the market and it consistently outperforms traditional foam based materials.
How can something so thin/low-profile offer a higher standard of protection?
D3O’s unique molecular properties means it can remain thin and flexible, while providing optimum protection against impact.
Are people likely to wear it?
Yes. D3O is the market leader in performance for motorcycle protection and this back protector offers excellent comfort, fit and protection from impact. It is lightweight, comfortable and breathable so you can be protected without feeling it.
How is it tested?
Rider safety is our number one priority and D3O tests its materials and components using the highest standard of testing.
We run our own in-house tests, which are then verified by independent laboratories, such as SATRA, STR, NPL, INSPEC, HPE, MERL, BSI. All of our products for motorcycle CE certified and we have been the first to market with a range of limb protectors that meet the CE standards being introduced later this year.
All of our products are printed with clear markings demonstrating the highest standards of safety.
How is D3O used?
It has a wide range of applications, including personal protection for various sport disciplines, motorcycling, work wear, and accessories for electronic protection, such as iPhone cases and computers.
We have also made a blunt force impact vest for the French Gendarmerie.
How is D3O made?
D3O has an in-house team of chemists and designers, who customise the material for bespoke protection.
We offer full 360 degree solutions for our partners, such as Furygan, from brainstorm, idea generation, CAD concepts, prototyping, testing, sampling to production.